The Northwold scholar and master were both roused to arms in James.

'Sir,' he said, 'you should have thought of that when you left this
heir of the Dynevors to be educated by the charity of this third-rate
grammar-school.'

'Is this your gratitude, sir!' passionately exclaimed Oliver; 'I, who
have toiled my whole life for your benefit, might look for another
return.'

'It was not for me,' said James. 'It was for family pride. Had it
been from the affection that claims gratitude, you would not have
left your mother in her old age, to labour unaided for the support of
your brother's orphans. For ourselves, I thank you; the habits
nurtured by poverty are the best education; but I cannot let you
suppose that a grand theatrical restoration can atone to me for
thirty years' neglect of my grandmother, or that my gratitude can be
extorted by benefactions at the expense of her past suffering.'

'Jem! dear Jem! what are you saying!' cried Mrs. Frost. 'Don't you
know how kindly your uncle meant? Don't you know how happy we have
been?'

'You may forgive. You are his mother, and you were injured, but I
can never forget what I have seen you undergo.'

'You foolish boy, to forget all our happiness--'

'Nor,' proceeded James, 'can I consent to forego the career of
usefulness that has been opened to me.'